Portugal has excellent healthcare at a fraction of US costs. Public system (SNS) is available to all legal residents. Private insurance runs €80-250/month. Here's how to navigate both systems.
Legal residents can register at their local centro de saúde (health centre) for access to the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). Registration requires residency card and proof of address. SNS covers GP visits (€4.50 copay), specialist referrals, hospital care, and emergency services. Quality is generally good but wait times for specialists can be long — weeks to months.
Most Americans complement SNS with private insurance. Portuguese insurers: Médis, Multicare (by Fidelidade), AdvanceCare. International plans: Cigna Global, Allianz Care. Costs: €80-150/month (under 40), €150-250/month (40-65), €250-400/month (65+). The guide compares plans specifically for Americans considering coverage, hospitals included, and repatriation clauses.
GP visit: €40-70. Specialist: €60-120. MRI: €150-300. Blood panel: €30-50. Dental cleaning: €40-60. Emergency room (private): €100-200. Dramatically cheaper than the US. The guide includes a 20-procedure price comparison: Portugal vs. US.
Lisbon: Hospital da Luz, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Hospital de São José. Porto: Hospital CUF Porto, Hospital da Luz Arrábida. Algarve: Hospital Particular do Algarve. Many doctors trained internationally and speak English. The guide includes hospital recommendations by city.
Medicare covers nothing outside the US (with extremely limited exceptions). Keep Part A (free), consider dropping Part B (€174.70/month) only if you're certain about staying abroad — re-enrollment penalties are permanent. The guide covers the Medicare decision framework for Portugal expats.
Many medications are cheaper in Portugal, especially generics. Pharmacies (farmácias) are well-stocked and pharmacists can often help with minor issues. Some medications available OTC in Portugal require prescriptions in the US. The guide covers medication availability and pricing. Full cost of living →
Educational content only — not tax or legal advice. This guide is an orientation document. Tax law is complex and individual situations vary. Always consult a qualified US expat CPA and a licensed local attorney before making financial, visa, or property decisions. Figures are verified as of the date shown and subject to change. Full disclaimer →